Miyajima Onsen Hiroshima: Best Baths, Ryokan & Day Trips

Published: 2026-09-28 / Updated: 2026-11-08 ・ 7 min read

Miyajima onsen in Hiroshima allows visitors to soak in natural hot spring waters on the historic island of Itsukushima (厳島), famous worldwide for its floating shrine gate. While the island is renowned for its cultural heritage and roaming deer, several traditional ryokan and modern inns tap into geothermal mineral springs, offering restorative baths after a day of sightseeing.

Soaking in a hot spring overlooking the Seto Inland Sea makes an exceptional addition to any Hiroshima itinerary. This guide explains how Miyajima's hot springs work, where to find day-use and overnight baths, how to get there, and what first-time visitors must know before stepping into the water.

Understanding Onsen on Miyajima Island

Miyajima is not a high-volume volcanic onsen town like Beppu or Kusatsu, but it possesses genuine, certified hot springs. The waters drawn on the island generally contain mild radon and trace minerals, offering a clear, gentle soak without the overpowering sulfur smell found in some volcanic regions.

Bathing facilities on the island range from compact cedarwood indoor tubs to open-air baths (rotenburo, 露天風呂) set against the forested slopes of Mount Misen (弥山) or facing the sea.

You can experience these waters in two ways:

1. Overnight Ryokan Stays: The most reliable and immersive way to experience Miyajima onsen. Overnight guests gain access to public baths in the evening and early morning, and many properties offer bookable private baths (kashikiri-buro, 貸切風呂).
2. Day-Use Bathing (Higaeri Onsen, 日帰り温泉): A limited selection of inns open their baths to non-staying visitors for a fee, usually during a narrow window in the early afternoon between guest check-out and check-in.

Top Onsen Ryokan on Miyajima

Most hot spring baths on Miyajima belong to established Japanese inns. Because opening policies, prices, and maintenance days can change, check the official website of your chosen accommodation before arriving.

Iwaso (岩惣)

Iwaso is one of the most famous historic inns in western Japan, operating in the scenic Momijidani Park (紅葉谷公園) since the late Edo period. Its hot spring, known as Wakamiya Onsen, supplies indoor and semi-open baths surrounded by Japanese maples. While primarily serving overnight guests, the inn occasionally offers daytime bathing packages paired with lunch, subject to advance reservation and seasonal availability.

Kurayado Iroha (蔵宿いろは)

Located along the lively Omotesando shopping street, Kurayado Iroha blends contemporary design with classic ryokan hospitality. Its top-floor indoor and outdoor communal baths provide panoramic vistas across the Seto Inland Sea. Guests can watch passenger ferries glide across the water while soaking.

Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto (みやじまグランドホテル有本)

With a history stretching back several centuries, Arimoto sits just a short walk from Itsukushima Shrine. It features spacious gender-separated communal baths and outdoor baths crafted from stone and aromatic cypress wood (hinoki). The property also features guest rooms with attached open-air private tubs fed by hot water.

Jinkeisou (錦水館 / Kinsuikan)

Situated right along the shoreline, Kinsuikan draws on its own proprietary hot spring source, often referred to as Miyajima Shioyu Onsen. It provides indoor communal baths, private bookable family baths, and seaside rooms. It is an excellent option for travelers who prefer staying close to the ferry pier while enjoying natural mineral waters.

Day-Use Onsen Options on and near Miyajima

If your schedule does not permit an overnight stay on the island, you still have options for a daytime soak.

• On the Island: Facilities like Kinsuikan and Arimoto sometimes open their public baths to daytime visitors between roughly 11:30 and 15:00, charging an entry fee generally between 1,000 and 2,000 JPY. Towel rentals are typically available for a small extra charge. Note that daytime hours can be canceled during peak tourist seasons or routine maintenance days.
• On the Mainland (Miyajimaguchi): If day-use baths on the island are fully booked or closed, consider hot spring facilities on the mainland near Miyajimaguchi Station. Aki Grand Hotel & Spa, located along the coast facing Miyajima, offers hot spring baths and shuttle services to the ferry terminal.

Travelers looking to plan transport and region-wide itineraries can consult the Japan National Tourism Organization for broad travel practicalities across Hiroshima Prefecture.

How to Get to Miyajima Onsen

Reaching Miyajima from central Hiroshima is straightforward and takes under an hour using public transit.

Step 1: Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi

From JR Hiroshima Station (広島駅), take the JR Sanyo Line heading toward Iwakuni. The local train takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes to arrive at JR Miyajimaguchi Station (宮島口駅). Holders of nationwide or regional rail passes can check line validity through JR West.

Alternatively, you can take the Hiroden Streetcar (Line 2) from Hiroshima city center to the Hiroden-miyajima-guchi stop. The streetcar is slower (around 50 to 60 minutes) but convenient if your hotel is near the Peace Memorial Park.

Step 2: Ferry to Miyajima Pier

From Miyajimaguchi, walk roughly two minutes to the ferry docks. Two main ferry companies operate the route: JR West Miyajima Ferry and Miyajima Matsudai Kisen.

• The boat crossing takes approximately 10 minutes.
• Boats depart frequently throughout the day, roughly every 10 to 15 minutes during daylight hours.
• Note that a nominal Miyajima Visitor Tax (around 100 JPY per person) is added to ticket purchases or deducted via IC cards to help preserve the island's infrastructure.

Step 3: Ferry Pier to Your Ryokan

Most onsen ryokan are located within a 5- to 15-minute walk from Miyajima Pier. Many higher-end properties operate complimentary shuttle vans that meet guests at the pier upon arrival; contact your ryokan in advance to arrange pick-up times.

Essential Onsen Etiquette for First-Timers

Japanese hot springs follow traditional customs to ensure cleanliness and shared comfort. Knowing the basic process ensures a smooth visit:

• Footwear: Remove your outdoor shoes at the ryokan or bathhouse entrance and switch into provided slippers. Leave your slippers outside the changing room door.
• Complete Nudity: Swimwear is strictly prohibited in traditional Japanese onsen. You must undress completely in the gender-segregated changing room. Place all clothing, jewelry, and personal items into the lockers or baskets provided.
• The Modesty Towel: You will be given a small washcloth (tenugui). You may use this to cover your private area while walking between the changing area and the baths. Never place this towel into the bathwater; fold it and set it on your head or place it on the side of the stone edge.
• Wash Thoroughly Before Soaking: Communal baths are strictly for soaking, not cleaning. Sit on the small plastic stools at the washing stalls, lather with the provided soap and shampoo, and rinse off every trace of soap before entering the tub.
• Keep Hair Tied: If you have long hair, tie it up securely with a hairband so it does not touch the bathwater.
• Cool Down and Dry Off: Do not drain tubs or add cold tap water unless you are in a private bath designed for manual temperature adjustment. Before stepping back onto the changing room mats, wipe excess water off your body using your washcloth.

Practical Advice: Tattoos and What to Pack

Navigating bathhouse rules is simple with advance preparation.

Tattoo Policies

In Japan, public onsen facilities traditionally restrict entry to individuals with tattoos. On Miyajima, policies differ significantly by property. Some modern ryokan permit small, discreet tattoos if covered with flesh-colored waterproof bandages. Others enforce a strict ban in their public baths. If you have visible body art, the most comfortable and reliable option is to book a room with a private attached bath or reserve a kashikiri-buro (private rental bath) for exclusive use with your travel companions. Always review the property's explicit policy online beforehand.

What to Bring

• Cash (JPY): While major ryokan accept international credit cards for room charges, day-use entry desks, coin lockers, and streetcar fares often require physical Japanese yen.
• Water: Drink water before and after soaking to prevent dehydration.
• Skin Moisturizer: While radon and salt-based springs feel refreshing, communal baths can dry out sensitive skin. Packing personal lotion is recommended.

Taking time to unwind in a Miyajima onsen allows you to experience the island beyond its daytime crowds, combining Hiroshima's maritime beauty with an essential Japanese bathing tradition.

FAQ

Q. Are there natural hot springs on Miyajima Island?

A. Yes, Miyajima features natural hot spring sources, primarily weak radon and mineral waters tapped by local ryokan.

Q. Can you use hot springs on Miyajima without staying overnight?

A. A few ryokan and hotels offer day-use bathing during set midday hours, though availability varies and can change without notice.

Q. Can people with tattoos use onsen on Miyajima?

A. Policies vary by facility; some strictly forbid tattoos in public baths, while others allow waterproof patches or private rental baths.